The Effects of Sports Massage on Psychological Mood State and the Credibility of Thermogenic Hypothesis

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Abstract

Aim – The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of sports massage on
psychological mood state and to test the credibility of the thermogenic hypothesis.
Method – Twenty three healthy students from Cardiff Metropolitan University participated
in the study. All subjects completed three 15-min interventions: Sports Massage, Steady
State Exercise and Rest. These conditions were randomised and took place seven days
apart over a three week period. The massage consisted of slow to moderate superficial
techniques (effleurage and petrissage) to stimulate the quadriceps muscle group.
Participants’ psychological mood state was assessed both prior and post each condition;
this was measured by the Physical Activity Affect Scale Questionnaire. Thermogenic
hypothesis was assessed by measuring skin temperature, both pre and post each 15-min
intervention; this represented individuals’ perception of heat. It was then compared against
participants’ mood state changes to establish credibility of thermogenic hypothesis.
Results – A two way repeated measures Anova revealed that massage intervention had a
significant effect on tranquillity mood subscale (P <0.001). The effects on fatigue and
negative affect reported lack of significance following massage intervention (P>0.05). A
significant difference was observed between sports massage and exercise groups on the
skin temperature (P <0.001).
Conclusion – The current findings suggest that 15-min sports massage has a significant
effect on increasing tranquillity. It can be stated that the effects sports massage has on
psychological mood state are still inconclusive due to the insignificant results produced for
fatigue and negative affect subscales. Supportive evidence for the thermogenic hypothesis
was determined by detecting improvement in mood state in conjunction with the rise in the
skin temperature. Further research is required to support these findings.

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